Inka Ayway Blog Posts

Travelling through Peru by train is more than just getting from one destination to another. It is an opportunity to experience the country's spectacular landscapes, from the rugged Andes Mountains to the lush green valleys surrounding Machu Picchu. For many travellers, the train journey to Machu Picchu becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Peru holiday. But what are the available routes, what can you expect along the way, and which journey should you choose? Let's

Planning a trip to Peru in 2027? From exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to discovering the vibrant streets of Cusco and the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, Peru offers experiences for every type of traveller. But how much should you budget for your adventure? The cost of travelling to Peru depends on your travel style, trip duration, accommodation choices and the experiences you want to include. This guide breaks down the main expenses to help you plan

A lush, mist-covered view of Machu Picchu Peru is a destination of extraordinary contrasts, from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the colourful streets of Cusco and the lush Amazon rainforest. But what happens when you plan your trip during the rainy season? Many travellers wonder whether rain will spoil their holiday, make trekking difficult, or affect their chances of exploring Peru's most famous attractions. The good news is that Peru can still be a rewarding destinati

When travellers think of Peru, Machu Picchu and the legacy of the Incas often come to mind first. But in the cloud-covered mountains of northern Peru lies another remarkable chapter of the country's history: the ancient Chachapoya civilisation and the extraordinary fortress of Kuélap. Surrounded by misty forests, dramatic mountain landscapes and centuries-old stone architecture, Kuélap offers a fascinating glimpse into a civilisation that flourished long before the Spanish co

Peru is known for Machu Picchu, the Andes Mountains and the colourful streets of Cusco. But beyond its famous landmarks lies another side of the country: a living culture shaped by centuries of traditions, local craftsmanship, agriculture and community life. For travellers who want to experience more than the usual sightseeing itinerary, exploring Peru’s local communities can offer a deeper understanding of the country. From learning traditional weaving techniques in the Ande

Planning a trip to Peru often means visiting two very different destinations: Lima, the country's coastal capital, and Cusco, the historic gateway to Machu Picchu and the Andes. But once you've planned both cities, there's one practical question: How do you get from Lima to Cusco? The distance between the two cities is significant, and the journey takes you from sea level into the high Andes. Fortunately, travellers have several options, from a quick flight to a long overland

When most people imagine visiting Machu Picchu, they picture the famous Inca Trail winding through the Andes. But here’s something many first-time travellers don't realise: you don't have to hike the Inca Trail to experience Machu Picchu. Whether you have limited time, don't enjoy long-distance trekking, are travelling with family, or simply want a different way to experience the Andes, there are several ways to reach this iconic Inca citadel. Here are five options to conside

Machu Picchu is more than the postcard. 🏔️ When people imagine Machu Picchu, they usually picture the iconic view: ancient stone terraces, Huayna Picchu rising behind the citadel, and the misty Andes stretching into the distance. But there is another side to Machu Picchu that is easy to miss. The Machu Picchu that tells you how people actually lived. Beyond its famous viewpoints and perfectly fitted stones, the citadel is filled with details that reveal an extraordinary unde

Making memories together in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Thinking about taking your children to Peru? Here's what parents should know before planning a family adventure through the Andes, Amazon and beyond. When you picture a family holiday, Peru may not be the first destination that comes to mind. You might wonder: Is Peru safe for children?Will they enjoy Machu Picchu?What about the altitude in Cusco?Are there too many long journeys?Is Peru suitable for younger children

Thinking about travelling to Peru in 2026? Here’s the question almost every traveller asks before booking: How much will a trip to Peru actually cost? From exploring the streets of Lima and wandering through Cusco to travelling through the Sacred Valley and standing before Machu Picchu, Peru offers experiences for almost every kind of traveller. But your total budget can vary significantly depending on your travel style, the time of year, the experiences you choose, and how f

For many travelers, arriving in Peru begins with a flight into Lima followed by a quick connection to Cusco. On the map, it looks simple. But there is one important detail that many first-time visitors overlook: altitude. Cusco sits at approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level. That is more than twice the elevation of Denver and high enough for your body to notice the difference almost immediately. So, should you avoid flying directly to Cusco? Not necessarily.

When people picture Peru, the first images that usually come to mind are the stone streets of Cusco, the peaks of the Andes, the Sacred Valley, and the unforgettable silhouette of Machu Picchu. But there is another Peru waiting beyond the mountains. A Peru of winding rivers, dense rainforest, colorful birds, hidden lagoons, monkeys in the treetops, and mornings filled with the sounds of the jungle. The Peruvian Amazon is one of the country's most extraordinary landscapes and

If you've spent any time scrolling travel accounts of Peru, you've seen it: a mountain striped in red, gold, turquoise, and lavender, looking almost too vivid to be real. That's Vinicunca better known as Rainbow Mountain and it's become one of the most photographed places in South America. But here's what those photos don't show you: the altitude, the early wake-up call, and the honest question every traveler asks before booking - is it actually worth it? At Inka Ayway, we g

Traveler overlooking Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes, representing unique off-the-beaten-path travel experiences in Peru beyond typical tour packages. Peru is famous for iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco, but the country's true magic often lies beyond the well-trodden tourist routes. While many visitors check landmarks off their bucket list, those who venture deeper discover authentic traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful con

When people think of Peru, one destination almost always comes to mind—Machu Picchu. While the ancient Inca citadel is undoubtedly one of the world's mostremarkable wonders, Peru has so much more to offer. From breathtaking naturallandscapes to vibrant local communities and archaeological treasures, there are countless places waiting to be discovered. At Inka Ayway, it's not all about Machu Picchu—it's about helping travelers experience the many other beauties of Peru. Whethe

Ask ten travelers which trek to Machu Picchu is "the best," and you'll get ten different answers. That's because the three most popular routes - the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the Lares Trek, aren't really competing with each other. They're built for different people. One is about walking in the literal footsteps of the Inca Empire. One is about glaciers, alpine lakes, and pushing your legs to their limit. One is about sitting down for coca tea with a Quechua family

Machu Picchu Inca ruins with terraced stone structures and Huayna Picchu mountain peak in the background If you've started dreaming about hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, here's the one thing that catches almost every first-time traveler off guard: you can't just show up and buy a ticket. The Classic Inca Trail runs on a strict permit system controlled by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and those permits sell out months before the trek even happens. At Inka Ayway, we'v

Most people come to Peru for the ruins. They leave talking about the food. That's not an accident. Peru has quietly become one of the most celebrated culinary destinations on the planet, and not just among foodies who seek it out. It sneaks up on you — in a market stall in Cusco, at a lunch spot with plastic chairs and no menu, at a cevichería where the fish arrived at the dock that morning. The food here doesn't just feed you. It tells you where you are. If you're planning a

3 min read | Peru Travel | Inka Ayway Securing your seat through the Andes, book early, the Peru waits for no one. Most travelers treat Aguas Calientes like a waiting room. They descend from Machu Picchu, legs tired and heart full, grab a quick lunch, and spend the next few hours watching the clock until their train home. Which is a shame, because this small Andean town tucked between mountains and rivers has more going on than it gets credit for. Here's how to actually enjo

3 min read | Peru Travel | Inka Ayway| Budget or splurge, every traveler leaves with a camera full of moments like this. Peru is one of those rare destinations that works for almost everyone, the solo backpacker counting soles, the couple celebrating an anniversary, the family on a once-in-a-decade adventure. The landscape doesn't care what your budget is. The ruins are just as awe-inspiring either way. But how you experience Peru changes dramatically depending on how you sp